DENVER (CBS4) – The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is next Monday, but celebrations are already under way.

On Monday the MLK Colorado Holiday Commission announced some of the events to honor the civil rights leader.

The annual “Marade” is set for next Monday. It’s one of the largest MLK celebrations in the country.

“Today in Colorado we have the best celebration because it is diversity of people who come together, who believe in the ideals of that great movement, who keep us on the map,” Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said. “And every year we come together to honor the great man by the name of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Several honors were presented on Monday, including the first-ever Outstanding Youth Award. It was given to Rashan and Diona Jackson.